1 Corinthians 7:29
Verse
Context
The Unmarried and Widowed
28But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.29What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;30those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing;
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The time is short - These persecutions and distresses are at the door, and life itself will soon be run out. Even then Nero was plotting those grievous persecutions with which he not only afflicted, but devastated the Church of Christ. They that have wives - Let none begin to think of any comfortable settlement for his family, let him sit loose to all earthly concerns, and stand ready prepared to escape for his life, or meet death, as the providence of God may permit. The husband will be dragged from the side of his wife to appear before the magistrates, and be required either to abjure Christ or die. Linquenda tellus, et domus, et placens Uxor; neque harum, quas colis, arborum Te, praeter invisas cupressos, Ulla brevem dominum sequetur. Hor. Odar. lib. ii., Od. xiv., v. 22. Your pleasing consort must be left; And you, of house and lands bereft, Must to the shades descend: The cypress only, hated tree! Of all thy much-loved groves, shall thee, Its short-lived lord, attend. Francis. Poor heathenism! thou couldst give but cold comfort in such circumstances as these: and infidelity, thy younger brother, is no better provided than thou.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this I say--A summing up of the whole, wherein he draws the practical inference from what precedes (Co1 15:50). the time--the season (so the Greek) of this present dispensation up to the coming of the Lord (Rom 13:11). He uses the Greek expression which the Lord used in Luk 21:8; Mar 13:33. short--literally, "contracted." it remaineth--The oldest manuscripts read, "The time (season) is shortened as to what remains, in order that both they," &c.; that is, the effect which the shortening of the time ought to have is, "that for the remaining time (henceforth), both they," &c. The clause, "as to what remains," though in construction belonging to the previous clause, in sense belongs to the following. However, CYPRIAN and Vulgate support English Version. as though they had none--We ought to consider nothing as our own in real or permanent possession.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But this I say, brethren, the time is short,.... This is another reason, with which the apostle supports his advice to virgins, and unmarried persons, to remain so; since the time of life is so very short, and it is even but a little while to the end of the world, and second coming of Christ; and therefore seeing the marriage state is so full of care and trouble, and it affords still less time for the service of Christ and religion, he thought it most advisable for them to, continue in a single life, that they might be more at leisure to make use of that little time they had for their spiritual good and welfare, the edification of others, and the glory of Christ: unless it should be rather thought that the apostle is still enlarging upon the former argument, taken from the present time, being a time of distress and persecution; and so the phrase, "the time is short", or "contracted", and full of anguish and affliction, is the same with the present necessity, and trouble in the flesh; and since this was the case, he suggests again, that an unmarried state was most preferable: it remaineth that both they that have wives, be as though they had none: and as for the rest, they that were married, his advice to them was, that they should so behave as if they were not married; not that he would have them put away their wives, or fancy with themselves that they had none, or make no use of the marriage bed; but suggests a moderate use of it; he would not have them give up themselves to lasciviousness and carnal lusts and pleasures, even with their own wives, and spend their time altogether in their company and embraces: but since the time of life was short, and that full of troubles, they should spend it in the service and worship of God, private and public, as much as possible; and not in the indulging and satisfying of the flesh.
1 Corinthians 7:29
The Unmarried and Widowed
28But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.29What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;30those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing;
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Last Days) Dont Get Drunk W/ Worldiness
By Zac Poonen3.4K58:46MAT 24:44LUK 21:341CO 7:291TH 5:2HEB 11:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the last days and the coming of Christ. It highlights the need for readiness over detailed knowledge of future events, focusing on personal preparedness and faithfulness. The speaker stresses the significance of being prepared spiritually, especially in the face of potential tribulations and challenges, urging listeners to prioritize their relationship with God and live with reverence and devotion.
(Revelation) When Time Shall Be No More
By Willie Mullan2.2K1:03:16TimeMAT 6:331CO 7:29REV 20:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing excitement about following in the footsteps of Christ and exploring the places he visited and the teachings he shared. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding where Jesus went, what he said, and what he did. The sermon also touches on the theme of glory and the desire to be near God's presence. The preacher then transitions to discussing the Book of Revelation, specifically Chapter 21, where John describes seeing a new heaven and a new earth. The preacher highlights the significance of this vision and the hope it brings for believers.
Fren-16 Apostolic Foundations - Blamelessness
By Art Katz2.0K1:17:26Blamelessness1CO 7:29In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an apostolic character. He highlights the transformation of the apostle Paul, who was once a persecutor and murderer but became a vessel of God's grace. The speaker emphasizes that it will take all eternity to fully comprehend the kindness of God's grace towards us. He encourages believers to be unmovable and unaffected by worldly things, just as Paul was. The speaker also discusses the need for believers to have a true relationship with the church and to be willing to make radical changes in their lifestyles in order to break free from the influence of the world.
The Last Days and the Lord's Coming : 7. Don't Get Drunk With Worldiness
By Zac Poonen1.7K58:46Second ComingGEN 6:13MAT 4:4MRK 13:33LUK 21:341CO 7:291TH 5:62TI 2:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that time is short and devoting oneself fully to the Lord. He explains that this does not mean avoiding marriage or work, but rather not becoming consumed by worldly pursuits. The speaker compares being drunk with the world to being intoxicated, where one loses sight of reality and becomes unaware of what is happening around them. He then references Luke 21, where Jesus speaks about the days when people will faint from fear and the coming of the Son of Man. The speaker encourages believers to keep their heads lifted up, remaining alert and focused on their redemption.
Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 2
By William MacDonald1.4K29:44Conference1CO 7:29COL 1:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the brevity of time and the need to prioritize eternal matters. He quotes from 1 Corinthians 7:29, where Paul reminds believers that the time is short and that they should live with a sense of urgency. The speaker encourages listeners to not be overly attached to worldly possessions or emotions, but to focus on the eternal kingdom of God. He also highlights the importance of knowing and studying the Word of God, as it determines our capacity for enjoying heaven. Additionally, the speaker mentions the significance of the nation of Israel in biblical prophecy as a sign that time is short.
(1 Corinthians) the Time Is Short
By Brian Brodersen1.0K47:51MAT 24:33MAT 24:42LUK 19:131CO 7:291CO 7:311TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses various events and prophecies mentioned in the book of Revelation and the book of Daniel. He highlights the future event where two witnesses sent by God will testify to the truth during the reign of the Antichrist. These witnesses will be slain by the Antichrist, and their dead bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three days before being raised up and taken into heaven. The preacher also emphasizes the technological advancements that allow the whole world to witness such events, as implied in the scriptures. Additionally, he mentions the significance of Israel being brought back to the land and Jerusalem becoming a burden to all nations as signs of the second coming of Christ.
Rise Up and Work 2001 Conference-01 Keynote Address
By William MacDonald80350:09Conference1CH 22:16MAT 21:28JHN 9:4ROM 13:121CO 7:29EPH 2:8EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impending arrival of a great asteroid that scientists are monitoring. He relates this to the biblical prophecy of a mountain burning with fire coming down from heaven. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living in the light of eternity and not getting caught up in insignificant matters. He encourages the audience to live their lives in a way that will have a lasting impact and not waste their time on trivial pursuits. The sermon also includes a story about Steve Jobs and his friend John Kelly, highlighting the need to do something that will change the world rather than pursuing material success.
Godly Marriage
By Erlo Stegen73729:54JOB 1:1PSA 37:4ISA 43:11MAT 6:24LUK 14:261CO 7:29EPH 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of the relationship between husband and wife reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. It discusses the need for husbands to emulate Christ's love for the Church and for wives to embody the Church's submission to Christ. The sermon delves into the potential pitfalls of prioritizing marital relationships over one's relationship with God, highlighting the call to prioritize Christ above all else.
Imitating Christ in Celibacy
By Stewart Ruch40234:15Celibacy1CO 7:29In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a poetic interlude found in the Scriptures. He emphasizes the importance of living for the Lord above all else. The speaker explains that this does not mean neglecting one's responsibilities, such as loving one's spouse, but rather prioritizing the Lord in all aspects of life. He also discusses the gift of celibacy, highlighting its three facets: singular devotion for the Lord, singular mission for the kingdom, and iconic ministry for the church. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about giving a book as a gift and the unexpected response he received, illustrating the importance of recognizing and accepting the gifts and callings God has given us.
New Wineskins
By Phil Beach Jr.3334:41DistractionNew WineskinsNew Life in ChristPSA 46:10ISA 43:19MAT 6:33MRK 2:18LUK 5:39JHN 10:27ROM 12:21CO 7:29JAS 4:81PE 4:17Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgency of the Spirit of God in his sermon 'New Wineskins,' urging believers to recognize the distractions in their lives that prevent them from fully engaging with God. He highlights that the true essence of Christianity is not merely attending church but being the church in every aspect of life. Beach Jr. warns that God will first judge His house, calling for a personal and communal awakening to the need for a deeper relationship with Christ, free from the old ways that no longer satisfy. He encourages listeners to embrace the new life God offers, which requires letting go of old habits and distractions that hinder spiritual growth. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt longing for Jesus, urging believers to listen for His voice amidst the noise of the world.
Exposition on Psalm 96
By St. Augustine0PSA 95:1MRK 13:27JHN 15:121CO 7:29St. Augustine preaches about the building of God's house, symbolizing the Church, where believers are united in love and unity. He emphasizes the importance of singing a new song, representing love for one another as commanded by Jesus. The sermon highlights the redemption of all nations through Christ's sacrifice, the need for confession and humility before God, and the joy in worshipping the Lord in His holy court. St. Augustine also discusses the future judgment of the world based on righteousness and truth, urging believers to show mercy as they will be judged accordingly.
Hebrews 1:3-5
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 90:2LUK 17:10JHN 1:1JHN 8:121CO 2:91CO 7:29PHP 4:7HEB 1:3John Chrysostom emphasizes the reverence and awe we should have when speaking or hearing about God, as our understanding falls short of comprehending His greatness. He highlights the Son's role as the brightness of God's glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by the word of His power, showing His absolute authority and equal honor with the Father. Chrysostom warns against falling into erroneous beliefs like Sabellianism, Arianism, or denying Christ's origin, affirming Christ's unique role as the Creator and sustainer of all things. He underscores the Son's care for humanity by purging our sins through His sacrifice, sitting at the right hand of God, and being made better than the angels, obtaining a more excellent name through His inheritance.
Epistle 405
By George Fox0Diligence in FaithEvangelism1CH 29:15JER 9:3MAT 5:15MAT 25:3LUK 19:201CO 7:291CO 7:311TI 2:41TI 6:9HEB 13:17George Fox encourages his friends to actively engage in spreading the truth of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not hiding their gifts and talents. He urges them to be diligent in their service to God and to be mindful of their time on earth, reminding them that they are sojourners and should live in the fear of God. Fox warns against the distractions of worldly desires and calls for unity among Friends in ministry to effectively share the truth with others. He expresses a desire for them to be valiant in their efforts and to give a joyful account to God at the end of their lives.
The Time Is Shortened
By T. Austin-Sparks0Prioritizing God's WorkUrgency of the Christian Life1CO 7:29T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgency of the Christian life, drawing from Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, where he highlights the brevity of time and the need to prioritize spiritual matters over earthly concerns. Paul, aware of the distractions and inconsistencies within the Corinthian church, urges believers to focus on their testimony for Christ rather than getting caught up in personal or worldly issues. Sparks warns against allowing even good things, like marriage and personal joys, to overshadow the greater mission of glorifying God. He calls for a collective awakening to the pressing spiritual needs around us and the importance of redeeming the time we have left. The sermon serves as a reminder that life is fleeting, and we must dedicate ourselves to the work of the Lord with urgency and purpose.
Eternity - 1 Cor. 7:29
By Bernard Fell0MAT 6:19JHN 3:161CO 7:292CO 4:18JAS 4:14Bernard Fell delivers a powerful sermon on the brevity of time and the importance of focusing on eternity. He emphasizes the need to prioritize accepting Christ, as that decision determines one's eternal destiny. Despite distractions like a congregant's obsession with time, the preacher redirects the focus to the eternal significance of the message, urging listeners to embrace Christ for a future of endless glories.
Ahead of Your Time
By Richard E. Bieber01CO 7:29Richard E. Bieber delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of being ahead of our time as Christians, just like Copernicus and Jeremiah were in their eras. He highlights the need to hold onto the belief in Jesus Christ's return as King and Lord, even when the world sees it as foolishness. The sermon stresses the challenges of living as believers in a world that may not understand or accept our faith, urging detachment from worldly possessions, investing in heavenly treasures, and maintaining a continuous readiness for Christ's return.
The Time Is Shortened (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)
By T. Austin-Sparks0MRK 9:241CO 3:221CO 7:291CO 15:522CO 4:4T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the urgency of the times, emphasizing the need for believers to prioritize their devotion to Christ above all else, as the time is short and opportunities for serving the Lord are limited. He warns against being consumed by earthly matters, such as marriage, sorrows, joys, possessions, and worldly interests, which can distract from the eternal work of glorifying Christ. Sparks urges Christians to be vigilant, redeem the time, and focus on the significant task of advancing the kingdom of God amidst the spiritual needs and challenges of the world.
The Faithful Remnant
By Zac Poonen0JDG 7:1LUK 21:34JHN 2:231CO 7:29COL 3:2REV 17:14Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being called, chosen, and faithful disciples of Jesus, highlighting the overcomers mentioned in the book of Revelation who have been tested and approved by God. He emphasizes the need to be free from seeking personal blessings and to desire to be overcomers in Christ. Using the example of Gideon's army, Zac Poonen illustrates how God tests believers in ordinary aspects of life to see if they are wholehearted and devoted to Him, warning against being weighed down by worldly cares and distractions.
Homily 24 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0MRK 4:38LUK 9:58ROM 13:11ROM 13:141CO 7:291CO 10:31GAL 3:27EPH 4:22HEB 10:37John Chrysostom preaches about the urgency of waking up from spiritual slumber, emphasizing the nearness of the Resurrection and Judgment Day. He encourages believers to cast off works of darkness and put on the armor of light, symbolizing the virtues and righteousness of Christ. Chrysostom warns against indulging in worldly desires, urging the congregation to live in a manner that glorifies God and to avoid the pitfalls of drunkenness, immorality, and strife. He stresses the importance of imitating Christ in humility, simplicity, and self-control, to be constantly wrapped up in His love and righteousness.
Time's Shortness
By Thomas Watson0JOB 14:1PSA 133:1ECC 3:21CO 7:292CO 1:12EPH 3:20EPH 5:16REV 12:12REV 14:11REV 14:13Thomas Watson preaches a sermon on the shortness of time, emphasizing the brevity and transitoriness of life. He urges believers to love one another, avoid discord, and strive for unity. Watson highlights the importance of self-examination, repentance, and making the best use of time for God's glory. He warns the wicked of the consequences of sin and encourages the godly to find comfort in the shortness of their suffering and waiting time, looking forward to the eternal reward in heaven.
(Gaining God's Approval) 1. Called, Chosen and Faithful
By Zac Poonen0JDG 7:1LUK 21:34JHN 2:231CO 7:29COL 3:21TI 1:122TI 2:42TI 2:15REV 17:14Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being accepted by God and being approved by God, emphasizing the importance of being faithful over just being called or chosen. He highlights the example of the overcomers in the book of Revelation who have been tested and approved by God. Using the stories of Gideon's army and Jesus' caution against being weighed down by worldly cares, Zac Poonen stresses the need for believers to be tested in daily life and to maintain undistracted devotion to the Lord. He urges Christians to be like Paul and Timothy, diligently seeking God's approval through faithfulness and surrender.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The time is short - These persecutions and distresses are at the door, and life itself will soon be run out. Even then Nero was plotting those grievous persecutions with which he not only afflicted, but devastated the Church of Christ. They that have wives - Let none begin to think of any comfortable settlement for his family, let him sit loose to all earthly concerns, and stand ready prepared to escape for his life, or meet death, as the providence of God may permit. The husband will be dragged from the side of his wife to appear before the magistrates, and be required either to abjure Christ or die. Linquenda tellus, et domus, et placens Uxor; neque harum, quas colis, arborum Te, praeter invisas cupressos, Ulla brevem dominum sequetur. Hor. Odar. lib. ii., Od. xiv., v. 22. Your pleasing consort must be left; And you, of house and lands bereft, Must to the shades descend: The cypress only, hated tree! Of all thy much-loved groves, shall thee, Its short-lived lord, attend. Francis. Poor heathenism! thou couldst give but cold comfort in such circumstances as these: and infidelity, thy younger brother, is no better provided than thou.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this I say--A summing up of the whole, wherein he draws the practical inference from what precedes (Co1 15:50). the time--the season (so the Greek) of this present dispensation up to the coming of the Lord (Rom 13:11). He uses the Greek expression which the Lord used in Luk 21:8; Mar 13:33. short--literally, "contracted." it remaineth--The oldest manuscripts read, "The time (season) is shortened as to what remains, in order that both they," &c.; that is, the effect which the shortening of the time ought to have is, "that for the remaining time (henceforth), both they," &c. The clause, "as to what remains," though in construction belonging to the previous clause, in sense belongs to the following. However, CYPRIAN and Vulgate support English Version. as though they had none--We ought to consider nothing as our own in real or permanent possession.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But this I say, brethren, the time is short,.... This is another reason, with which the apostle supports his advice to virgins, and unmarried persons, to remain so; since the time of life is so very short, and it is even but a little while to the end of the world, and second coming of Christ; and therefore seeing the marriage state is so full of care and trouble, and it affords still less time for the service of Christ and religion, he thought it most advisable for them to, continue in a single life, that they might be more at leisure to make use of that little time they had for their spiritual good and welfare, the edification of others, and the glory of Christ: unless it should be rather thought that the apostle is still enlarging upon the former argument, taken from the present time, being a time of distress and persecution; and so the phrase, "the time is short", or "contracted", and full of anguish and affliction, is the same with the present necessity, and trouble in the flesh; and since this was the case, he suggests again, that an unmarried state was most preferable: it remaineth that both they that have wives, be as though they had none: and as for the rest, they that were married, his advice to them was, that they should so behave as if they were not married; not that he would have them put away their wives, or fancy with themselves that they had none, or make no use of the marriage bed; but suggests a moderate use of it; he would not have them give up themselves to lasciviousness and carnal lusts and pleasures, even with their own wives, and spend their time altogether in their company and embraces: but since the time of life was short, and that full of troubles, they should spend it in the service and worship of God, private and public, as much as possible; and not in the indulging and satisfying of the flesh.